SCHUMANN Fantasie in C, Op. 17 - Tengku Irfan

Never one for disguising his emotions, Robert Schumann wore his heart on his sleeve, and in his music. Fantasie in C, composed in 1836, is a culmination of passion, virtuosity and delicacy, all in the name of love. It was intended as a tribute to Beethoven and eventually dedicated to Franz Liszt.
Fantasie in C, Op. 17
I. Durchaus fantastisch und leidenschaftlich vorzutragen; Im Legenden-Ton 0:00
II. Mäßig. Durchaus energisch 12:48
III. Langsam getragen. Durchweg leise zu halten. 21:02
Schumann wrote to Clara in March 1838: “The first movement of the Fantasie is the most passionate I have ever composed; it is a profound lament on your account.” Composed under the stimulus of such world-embracing emotions, it is rapturous and passionate in nature, featuring spontaneous flow of soaring melodies and swirling rhapsodic accompaniments.
The second movement is a riveting march of gargantuan technical demands. Cast in a classical rondo form, the forthright opening theme is contrasted with material in a pervasive dotted rhythm, alternating with contrasting episodes. The movement then reaches its zenith in the exhilarating coda, whose simultaneous leaps would give even the most practiced virtuoso some anxious moments.
The last movement is sublimely beautiful and intimate. A poetic reverie unfolds through melodic intimations, hymnal elements, and evocative harmonies - a dreamscape in suspended time. The coda is a euphoric declaration, gradually increasing in speed, before pulling back to Adagio in preparation for the peaceful and quiet finish.
Tengku Irfan, piano
Recorded live at the Victoria Concert Hall, Singapore, on 9 June 2023 at the 29th Singapore International Piano Festival.
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[@Colonel_Kassad]

I almost missed this. A tribute to Beethoven and Franz Liszt. To Schumann. And now to Tengku Irfan, too :)

[@Alexinchains81]

Meraviglia